Which TLD (Domain Extension) to Apply for in ICANN’s New gTLD Next Round 2026?
- Venkatesh Venkatasubramanian
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Back in 2012, when ICANN first cracked open the gates to new domain extensions, the internet changed forever. Dotbrands, generics, geoTLDs—suddenly, the domain name space wasn’t just .com and .org anymore. Now, more than a decade later, ICANN is preparing for the second act: the New gTLD Program's next application round, scheduled for 2026.
And the question on everyone’s mind: What kind of domain extension can I apply for?
A Quick Primer Before We Dive In
ICANN doesn’t hand out TLDs lightly. It’s not a simple domain registration—it’s about running an entire slice of internet real estate. That’s why they have a defined application process and specific types of extensions you can apply for. Let’s break down the three broad categories you should be thinking about.
DotBrand New gTLDs – Your Brand, Your Rules
This is where things get exciting for companies. Want to own .yourbrand? That’s exactly what dotBrand TLDs allow.
In 2012, global giants like .google, .microsoft, and .bmw secured their dotBrands. In 2026, many more will join the club. A dotBrand gives you total control—no one else can register names under your TLD. You decide the rules, the usage, and the strategy.
It’s not just about prestige. It’s a security play, a branding opportunity, and a way to future-proof your digital identity.
Generic TLDs – Build the Next .store or .tech
These are open-for-all extensions, like .shop, .online, or .news. If you’ve got a business idea tied to a niche or an industry, a generic TLD can be the foundation for a registrar or registry business.
Important note: Applying for a generic string means you’ll need a solid business model. You’ll be managing domain registrations for the public and handling compliance, abuse mitigation, technical uptime, and more.
But get it right, and it can be a multi-million dollar play.
Geo & Community TLDs – .berlin, .nyc, .africa, and Beyond
These are tied to a geographic region or a specific community. Cities, states, continents—even cultural or linguistic communities can apply.
In the 2026 round, we’re expecting strong interest from local governments, civic organizations, and cultural groups who missed the first wave. If you represent a legitimate authority or stakeholder group, this is your chance to carve out digital territory for your community.
What You Can’t Apply For
Not everything is fair game. ICANN maintains a list of reserved names. Anything that clashes with country codes, conflicts with international norms, or is too similar to existing TLDs is likely to be rejected.
Also, if you’re targeting a highly generic term (.music, .book), be prepared for competition and possibly objections from interest groups or even governments.
Where to Begin?
Whether you're a brand manager, an entrepreneur, or a city official, it all starts with understanding what’s possible—and what’s right for you. Dotup’s consulting division, NewGTLDProgram.com, helps organizations prepare, apply, and operate new gTLDs with confidence. If you’re looking for a deeper dive, we’ve built an entire knowledge hub around it.
And if you’re reading this from our affiliate site, NewGTLDz.com, you can drop us a line. We’ll connect you directly to our core consulting team.
The application window isn’t open yet—but those who start preparing now will be the ones ready when the curtain lifts in 2026.
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